Five levels, five cap colors
Each level has a cap color, an age range and a short list of what swimmers practice. The first visit tells us where to start, and the instructor decides when a swimmer moves up.
- 01
Getting comfortable
Yellow cap, ages 3 to 5SkillsGetting in and out at the steps or the wall
Blowing bubbles
Wetting the face a little at a time
Moving along the wall with the instructor's hands close
Moving upWhen bubbles and a calm way in and out are steady, the instructor suggests Floating and gliding.
- 02
Floating and gliding
Orange cap, ages 4 to 6SkillsFloating on the front and back with support
Face in the water, blowing bubbles
Kicking with a kickboard
Pushing off the wall and reaching for it again
Moving upWhen floating with support and kicking with a board are steady, the instructor suggests Kicking and breathing.
- 03
Kicking and breathing
Green cap, ages 5 to 8SkillsKicking on the front and the back
Gliding from the wall
Arm pulls holding a kickboard
Turning the head to breathe
Moving upWhen kicking and gliding are steady on the front and the back, the instructor suggests Freestyle and back.
- 04
Freestyle and back
Blue cap, ages 6 to 10SkillsFreestyle arms with a breath to the side
Back crawl arms
Swimming across the width of the pool
Treading water with the instructor close
Moving upWhen freestyle and back crawl cross the width of the pool, the instructor suggests Strokes together.
- 05
Strokes together
Purple cap, ages 8 to 12SkillsFreestyle and back crawl linked in one swim
Breaststroke kick
Swimming the length of the pool
Sculling on the back
Moving upThere is no level after this one. The instructor sets new goals with each swimmer every session.
Sample levels.
Every swimmer moves at their own pace.
Not sure where your swimmer starts?
An instructor comes to the pool, gets in the water with your swimmer and suggests a level.